Spectra Breast Shield Flange Sizes 20MM 24MM 28MM 32MM

Not only is getting the right breast pump important, but so is getting the right breast shield flange size.  If you pump regularly, using the correct breast shield size aids in adequate milk production.  With the increasing popularity of Spectra breast pump, we want moms to have the information as to what sizes are available and how you can purchase them.

Spectra Standard Breast Shield - 24mm
The 24mm breast flange was included with your Spectra breast pump including the S1 and Spectra S2 breast pump.  If you are pumping comfortably with this flange and there is room on one side of the flange shaft for freedom of movement, the standard size works for you.  The Spectra 24MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways:

Spectra 24MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 24MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 24MM Premium Accessory Kit - breast shield, valve, tubing, backflow protector, bottle set
Spectra 24MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Spectra Small Breast Shield -20mm
The 20mm breast flange is a good choice if you are pumping with the standard 24mm flange and there is room on all side of the flange shaft.  You may experience too much of the areola being drawn into the shaft as not to receive adequate compression of the milk sinuses if your flange is too large.  Another reason you may need the small Spectra flange is too much elasticity in the nipple causing the nipple to draw too far into a standard flange.  The Spectra 20MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways:

Spectra 20MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 20MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 20MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Spectra Large Breast Shield -28mm
The 28mm breast flange is a good choice if you are pumping with the standard 24mm flange and there is no room for freedom of movement in flange shaft.  You may experience too little compression of the milk sinuses if your flange is too small as the nipple is filling the shaft and the areola is not being engaged for compression.  The Spectra 28MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways:

Spectra 28MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 28MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 28MM Premium Accessory Kit - breast shield, valve, tubing, backflow protector, bottle set
Spectra 28MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Spectra X-Large Breast Shield -32mm
The 32mm breast flange is a good choice if you have wider nipples.  You may experience too little compression of the milk sinuses if your standard or large flange is too small as the nipple is filling the shaft and the areola is not being engaged for compression.  Most women who use this size note that their nipples are wide such as the width of your thumb.  The Spectra 32MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways.

Spectra 32MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 32MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 32MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Remember, breast shield flange sizing is important for milk extraction and in turn milk production so one way to be sure to get the right size is to purchase more than one size in the single flange and then once you determine your needs, purchase more in the appropriate size.  

Best wishes for the perfect flange size!
Tanya

Troubleshooting your Spectra Breast Pump: Spectra Flange Size

How do you know when you need a different breast flange size?

Spectra breast pumps include the most commonly fitted flange size, 24mm breastshields. Although this is the most common size, many women will fit better in other sizes. A properly sized breast shield aka breast flange is important to ensure the best performance of your pump and the most milk output. An improperly fitted breast shield can hinder milk supply and cause discomfort. To determine the shield size you need, pump for five minutes using the standard size provided with your breast pump. Your nipple will expand while milk is being expressed, therefore it is important to measure after five minutes of pumping so that the size you select will provide adequate room. After five minutes, measure the diameter of the nipples at the base with a tape measure that uses millimeters. Click the link to access a printable tape measure.

Ideally, you should select a shield size that is 2-3mm larger than this measurement, but up to 5mm may be acceptable.
Spectra flanges are available in the following sizes:
Spectra 20mm Breast Shield - Small
Spectra 24mm Breast Shield - Medium
Spectra 28mm Breast Shield - Large
Spectra 32mm Breast Shield - X-Large

See the images below for fitting examples.

Ensuring the proper fitment is essential for protecting milk supply especially in moms who use their pump frequently for working or exclusive pumping.  An ideal fit compresses the milk sinuses properly ensuring good milk transfer, less pain and fewer clogged milk ducts.

When purchasing new breast shields, you should also replace your duckbill valves.  Duckbill valves and breast shields that are not sterilized together may not fit well causing the duckbill valves to be loose on the breast shield.   Normally, Spectra valves should be replaced every 6 weeks for moms pumping 15 times per week.  Backflow protectors do not need to be replaced as often but at minimum, Spectra Backflow Protectors should be replaced every 2-3 months.  

Best wishes for comfortable, effective pumping!

Tanya
Lactation Connection

Troubleshooting: When to Replace Breast Pump Parts & Accessories

If your breast pump is not suctioning the way it used to, the problem often lies in one of two breast pump parts.  Most breast pumps have a valve plus a diaphragm, filter or backflow protector.  The number one cause of low suction is a dirty, torn or worn out valve.  If you valve is the type that has a valve head and membrane shown here, it is imperative that you remove these parts when cleaning.  The valve membrane will retain a build up that decreases the suction.  Taking the membrane apart from the head is essential to remove this build-up.  If you see that the membrane will no longer close completely with the head or if it has a tear, replace it as soon as possible.

If your breast pump has a duckbill valve (shown below) which in most cases is a clear or white valve, the tip of the duckbill must be able to close completely.  If it remains open, the amount of pressure your pump can provide is decreased.  As a rule, if you are pumping three times per day or more, replace duckbill valves every six to eight weeks at minimum.  This is a small maintenance expense that will reward you in the dividend of a healthier milk supply.

One example of essential breast pump parts that need replacement are the Spectra S2 parts that include the white duckbill valve and the backflow protector.  These two parts are the most commonly replaced parts for Spectra breast pumps and if either of these parts is used for longer that eight weeks, the amount of pressure your breast pump has can be decreased.  The longer you use a breast pump with parts that are not functioning at capacity, the greater the chance of decreasing milk supply.

The most commonly replaced parts for each brand are listed below:

Spectra - duckbill valve, backflow protector
Ameda - duckbill valve, diaphragms

Motif - duckbill valve, diaphragms 
Hygiea - duckbill valve, bacteriostatic filter
ARDO - duckbill valve, membrane pot
PJ's Limerick - micron filter, silicone gasket
Bailey Nurture III - filter

Breast pumps that do not have closed systems such as Medela do not need parts replaced as often, but open system can lead to exposure of bacteria to breast milk so we do not recommend these pumps.

Lactation Connection offers subscription services for replacement parts on our most popular brands so that you don't forget to replace them on a regular basis.  We only sell authentic manufacturers parts for Spectra, Ameda, Hygeia, ARDO, Limerick, Bailey, Rumble Tuff and BelleMa to ensure quality of performance in your breast pump.

Salud! Here is to a healthy milk supply!
Tanya